Midweek Motivator 3-3-2011

Today I found myself wanting comfort all day. I wanted to be in my pjs, warm and cozy on the couch and drink hot tea. Could be a bit of the weather or that Day 3 of my detox is starting to have a few effects on me. Either way, it was hard to get up, workout and charge ahead today. Ever feel like that??

How do you provide comfort for yourself when you feel that way? While a day on the couch in our pjs seems nice, the reality is that we still have to take on the day ahead. I often find that people crave warm foods, foods from their childhood, or "bad" foods that give us a sense of comfort...the feeling that everything is going to be okay.

While those foods may seem like they make us feel better for a short time, in reality they will often make you feel more tired, lethargic and unmotivated. So how do we comfort ourselves without going for the mac n' cheese or hot cocoa?

Maybe its a cup of herbal tea or a 10 minute meditation in your car before going into a meeting or appointment. It could be watching a movie with a loved one or friend, taking a bath or reading a good book. There are so many ways to find comfort from things other than food.

That being said, on days like today, warm soups and stews are very comforting and satisfying. Here is one of my favorites! It is a high fiber, heart healthy soup packed with flavor. Try it and see if it gives you that warm soothing feeling you're looking for.

Garlic and Kale Soup
Serves 6

1/2 cup wheat berries (soaked overnight)
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 cup shitake mushrooms, stemmed and thinly sliced
10 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
1/4 cup brown rice vinegar
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 bunch kale, stemmed and coarsely chopped

Directions:

1. Soak wheat berries in a large bowl of cold water overnight
2. Heat oli in 2 qt saucepan over medium heat. Add mushrooms, and season with salt and pepper. Saute mushrooms about 10 minutes, or until beginning to brown. Add garlic, and saute 2 mintues or more. Stir in vinegar; simmer until vinegar is almost evaporated, stirring to scrape off brown bits from pan.
3. Drain wheat berries, and add to mushroom mixture with vegetable broth and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 20 minutes. Add kale, and cook 10-20 minutes until kale is tender.

per 1 cup: 138 cals, 4 g prot, 5g fat, 20g carbr